Three wins just the tonic – for trainer, staff and owners

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This short story starts on Monday 26 April at Ballarat, the day Nigel came a cropper. Luckily, the story ends with a double at Sportsbet-Ballarat to follow on from a win in May, to give Nigel, Susanna, all the hard-working stable staff and of course numerous owners, just the tonic following a difficult few weeks.

Firstly, we are pleased to report that Nigel has been steadily recovering from his fall from a horse during slow trackwork in late April. In fact, it was not so much the fall that was of greatest concern for our seemingly ageless, riding trainer. It was the fact that the horse he was riding rolled over him, causing a serious shoulder injury, broken ribs, a punctured lung, severe concussion and the (temporary, he hopes) loss of eyesight in one eye.

It was a stressful time for all at the track for a little while, and Nigel would like to publicly pass on his gratitude to all who helped during those morning hours.

Sincere thanks to numerous friends and stable clients who have been driving Nigel in recent weeks to and from the stables and the occasional race day when he feels up for that. Susanna of course continues to drive the ship, and Nigel, and they both thank clients for their patience well-wishes in recent weeks. It is also a sign of a great industry when many hands are offered for help – whether it be riding, transportation, or stable work. Thanks to all of you who reached out.

We must also send out big thanks to our stable staff, some of whom have had some accidents themselves in recent times – a reminder of the kind of work we do with big animals and in sometimes trying conditions. It has not been easy these past few months with staff shortages and injuries. So it is important we pay the respect due to all our staff – and all across the industry – for the work they do to care for all the horses and maintain optimism in trying times.


We can now report that Nigel still suffers from what he simply calls a ‘busted’ shoulder and an eye and set of ribs that have not fully returned to normal. He hopes time, and in the case of his shoulder, rehab, will continue the healing process in coming weeks.

Meanwhile, back to business, steady as she goes.


The courageous win of Northern Bliss at Warracknabeal, and then a double at Sportsbet-Ballarat with Kirakat and Under My Spell, were just the tonic during Nigel’s recovery. Congratulations to connections. Here’s hoping for many more over coming weeks to see the stable build in numbers and results.